Chris Hardesty

Chris Hardesty is Senior Advice Editor for Cox Automotive. He edits and writes articles for Kelley Blue Book, advising consumers on the financial aspects of buying and selling cars, and sharing maintenance and ownership tips. His goal is to simplify complex topics to help readers make confident decisions. Chris spent nearly three decades in newspapers, including leading research departments at The Mercury News in California and Newsday in New York. After that, he was the How-to Guides Editor at The Wall Street Journal until moving to metro Atlanta. Chris has judged multiple Emmy Awards in News & Documentary categories. With two children under 10 years old, he's very familiar with the challenges of keeping minivans clean.

Advice

5 Questions To Answer Before Choosing a Truck Bed Cover

Chris Hardesty - April 26, 2024

Selecting a truck bed cover is a decision owners should not take lightly. Bed covers are a crucial accessory that…

A person using a wrench to disconnect a car battery.

Advice

How to Disconnect a Car Battery

Chris Hardesty - April 25, 2024

Use our step-by-step guide to learn how to safely disconnect your battery when preparing to service the vehicle or install a new battery.

Advice

How To Jump-Start an Electric Car Battery

Chris Hardesty - January 26, 2024

Along with high-voltage battery packs that give power to electric vehicles’ motors, every EV also has a 12-volt battery to…

Advice

How To Buy a Car From Out of State

Chris Hardesty - January 08, 2024

Buying a Car Out of State Quick Tips Many shoppers look far from home for the right car in the…

What Is

What Is a Solid-State Battery For an Electric Car?

Chris Hardesty - July 28, 2023

This lithium-ion battery alternative may double EV range and bring faster charging. Our summary answers, “What is a solid-state battery?”

Electric car chassis with batteries and components

Advice

Why Are Electric Car Batteries So Expensive?

Chris Hardesty - July 21, 2023

The rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that electric cars use are expensive because of the raw materials used for producing them. Metals…

Ford Mustang Mach-E at an EV charging station

Advice

What Is EV Charging?

Chris Hardesty - June 22, 2023

The term “EV charging” refers to the act of transferring energy from an electric vehicle charging station to an electric…

Advice

Who Makes Smart Car?

Chris Hardesty - June 01, 2023

A partnership between Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Automobile Group makes the Smart car brand. The German company announced a joint…

Advice

Who Makes Mazda Cars?

Chris Hardesty - June 01, 2023

Mazda Motor Corp. makes Mazda cars and SUVs. The Japanese automaker has a global network of research and development and…

Advice

Who Makes Subaru?

Chris Hardesty - May 25, 2023

The automotive division of Subaru Corp. makes Subaru cars and SUVs. The Japanese multinational conglomerate is the parent to Subaru…